The best horse race courses in the UK
If you are looking to experience the thrill of horses - and bet on horse racing whilst in the middle of all the action, then the UK is full of excellent horse racing tracks. Here we take a look at the best racetracks in the country.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham opened its doors in 1815 and is set over 350 acres in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. It is most famous for arguably one of the biggest events on the horse racing calendar worldwide - the four-day Cheltenham Festival that’s held annually in March. It also hosts some of the biggest national hunt races across the country and attracts more than 68,000 people at many of its main events.
Aintree
This has to be on the list. Aintree is the home of the world-famous Grand National, which first took place in 1839. This is the race that attracts the biggest crowds - attracting more than 70,000 people every year and is the longest jumps race in the country.
Ascot
Ascot racecourse dates back to 1711 and has a capacity of 70,000, located in the beautiful countryside beside Windsor Park. It was founded by Queen Anne and is still considered to have many royal connections. Every summer at its five-day festival it welcomes Queen Elizabeth and other royals.
Goodwood
Everyone has heard of Goodwood - and it’s labelled ’Glorious’ for a reason. It is set in the stunning 12,000-acre grounds overlooking the beautiful Sussex Grounds. It is most well-known for its unique track undulations and, of course, the Goodwood festival, which dates back to 1802. These days, the racetrack attracts around 20,000 visitors every day.
Newmarket
Newmarket racecourse is located in Newmarket, Suffolk and has a capacity of 45,000. It dates back to 1622 when it raced its first race between horses owned by Lord Salisbury and Marquess of Buckingham. These days it is home to 2 of the 5 UK classic races - the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas.
York
There is evidence to suggest that this track has been in operation since 1530, which also makes it a famous tourist attraction and heritage site. York has won the ‘Best Racecourse in Britain’ award four times. The track's main highlight is the Ebor Festival, held every August.
Windsor
Windsor Racecourse is set in 165 acres of countryside in the South of England and is laid out in a unique figure of eight shape that means flat races can be run in a smaller area. It has held race meetings since 1866 - including the Winter Hill Stakes.
Haydock
Haydock is located in Merseyside and plays host to flat races and jump races, including the famous Betfair Chase in November. The current course opened back in 1899 and it offers facilities including a champagne bar.
Doncaster
Doncaster is a multipurpose track that hosts both flat races and national hunt races. It is home to 36 meetings through the year and is most famous for being host to St Leger - the oldest classic flat race dating all the way back to 1776.
This is one of the oldest racecourses in the UK - with records dating it all the way back to 1595. Unfortunately, the corporation tried to end race meetings back in 1600, fearing that these would attract ruffians. However, it was officially marked out as an official racecourse in 1614 - and its popularity grew.
Newbury
This is another course that is host to both national hunt and flat races - and has been around since 1905 in Greenham. It is famous for hosting the Lockinge Stakes over a 1-mile course. It also holds a major national hunt meeting every November- which features the Hennessy Gold Cup.
So, whether you’re a racehorse fan or a racehorse bettor and want to enjoy some real horse racing action at one of these top UK courses. Home to the biggest and best races and festivals in the world.
